Manchester United Transfer News: Phil Jones to stay as Mourinho believes in the defender

Manchester United is rebuilding under new manager Jose Mourinho and many expects a host of players to depart the club. However, one of the players who will likely not leave Old Trafford is Phil Jones. The English defender’s Manchester United future has been reassured after the Portuguese manager admired Jones’ versatility and wants him to be like John Terry.

Manchester United signed defender Eric Bailly from Villareal earlier this month. The signature of Bailly clouded Jones’ future at The Theater of Dreams, but Mourinho has reportedly quashed all claims of the 24-year-old leaving and wants him to feature in his plans for next season, as reported by TEAMtalk.com.

Phil Jones’ career at Manchester United has been halted by injuries. Once termed “The new Duncan Edwards” has failed to live up to his potential. However, the man from Preston, United Kingdom is still young and can develop a lot if he manages to avoid repeated injuries.

The defender has made just 13 appearances for Manchester United last season owing to injuries. This led him to miss out on the England squad for the Euro 2016.

Mourinho is believed to be a keen admirer of Jones’ versatility at the back. The former Blackburn Rovers player can feature at centre-back, right-back and as a holding midfielder. The Portuguese boss has had a meeting with him to reassure the player of a secure future at Old Trafford, as reported by Goal.com.

Jones featured in the famous Manchester United shirt for the last time on January 2, 2016. Daley Blind filled up as the first-choice central defender under Louis Van Gaal last season, but Mourinho won’t be too keen to see the Dutchman play at the same position next season. This is where Jones could come in to make the position his own.